SUCCESS!

Early returns show Measure J, the 30-year extension of the half-percent sales tax to fund public transportation, leading with 64% of the vote - just short of the 2/3 margin it needs to become law. Just under 400,000 early absentee ballots in LA County have been counted, according to the Registrar's website.

If passed, Measure J would accelerate the construction of a number of transit projects funded by Measure R, the 30-year, half-percent sales tax passed by LA County voters in 2008.